I want your manuscript to be the best it can be, and copyediting can help with that. I also want to help you learn, develop, and grow as an author. Whether you’re self-publishing or querying agents, you want to make sure you put your best foot forward. In the publishing industry, first impressions count. Through copyediting and constructive feedback, notes, and suggestions, my goal is to help your manuscript shine, all while passing on some useful knowledge that will help your writing in the future. I am always tactful and courteous in my critiques and feedback, however I will say what needs to be said in order to help polish your book or project.
Copyediting + Line Editing: $0.05 per word
This bundle combines copyediting and line editing services for a more cohesive edit. Of course, combining the two services will take longer to work through, but will be more cost and time efficient. More information on the differences between copyediting and line editing can be found below.
Line Editing: $0.03 per word (average)
Line editing focuses more on words and tone rather than punctuation and grammar (see copyediting). With line editing, it’s my goal to not just improve your manuscript, but to help you come away with tools that will help improve your writing from here on out (and, yes, your current manuscript will emerge looking better as well). With a line edit, I’ll take a look at language (i.e. voice, tone, etc.), creative content, and writing style. I’ll make sure your language is clear, and help your sentences and paragraphs come alive with emotion and tone. I’ll work with you to find the best words in order to convey the right emotions for your scenes. I’ll help tighten up your sentences, fix dialogue, improve pacing, and ensure that your readers won’t be confused by anything they come across. Essentially, line editing polishes your language, making your story clear and enjoyable. Line editing can happen concurrently with copyediting, but should happen before proofreading.
Copyediting: $0.025 per word (average)
When I copyedit, I look at the micro as well as macro. I ensure spelling, punctuation, grammar, and syntax are all neat and shiny, but will also make sure everything is consistent, such as character descriptions (i.e. blond hair in chapter one and brown hair in chapter three), word choices (i.e. favorite vs. favourite), and other technicalities. With copyediting, I’ll also do fact checking along the way, just to make sure certain things are either true or at least make sense. This is especially true for non-fiction works. However, keeping things as realistic as possible in fiction is also beneficial (usually) to your story. Copyediting should happen before proofreading, but can happen simultaneously with a line edit.
Proofreading: $0.015 per word (minimum $50)
Proofreading is the last piece of the editing puzzle and takes place after line editing and copyediting. Contrary to many beliefs, proofreading is not looking for typos and grammatical errors (see copyediting). Those things will be fixed if found, of course, but the main responsibility of the proofreader is to check for textual errors and formatting. Proofreaders also compare the final version to the previous version and make sure all changes have been made without additional errors. Again, if you have anything specific you’d like me to keep an eye out for, I am more than happy to do so.
Other Copyediting Bundles: Rate varies
If you’d like to work with me on all areas of editing (including proofreading), shoot me a message and we can come up with a special rate tailored to your manuscript’s needs. I can do line editing and copyediting, copy editing and proofreading, or all of the above in any combination you’d like. When it comes to copyediting and working on your project, I will work with you to make sure it happens the way you want it.
For board game copyediting rates and services (such as rule books, cards, etc.), please visit this page.